Real Madrid make William Saliba transfer decision

Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out a move for William Saliba as they are unwilling to meet Arsenal’s lofty asking price.

Shortly after the winter transfer window closed, reports emerged claiming that Madrid had made Saliba the club’s “priority” target this summer. Arsenal were thought to be highly reluctant to let their star centre-back leave for any fee, but if they were forced to part ways with Saliba, Madrid would have to make him the most expensive defender in football history.

These eye-watering demands, which would see Saliba command at least £80m, have ultimately convinced Madrid to end their pursuit of the Frenchman, according to SPORT.

Saliba’s public insistence on his desire to stay at Arsenal poured more cold water on Madrid’s interest. “I’m happy here and I want to continue here,” the 24-year-old told reporters in March.

Nevertheless, Madrid’s search for a centre-back goes on. As Carlo Ancelotti has outlined on a number of occasions this season, the defending Spanish and European champions have been defensively vulnerable this term.

“We’re very effective up front and less solid at the back,” Ancelotti mused earlier this campaign. “That’s the team’s trait this season. This year, the games are more competitive.” This leaky iteration of Madrid have already conceded more league goals (29) in 29 games than they did across last term’s entire 38-match campaign.

Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is thought to be a top target for the Spanish giants. There will be stiff competition for the teenage centre-back, chiefly from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, but Huijsen is expected to be available for the relatively reasonable fee of £50m thanks to a release clause in his contract.

Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, though he too is a target for Liverpool.